The Mushroom Pokemon. Paras imports through Pal Park in Platinum. Effect Spore and Dry Skin provide two ability options, and Parasect with Spore is the guaranteed-sleep payoff.
Ability 1Effect SporeAbility 1Has a 30% chance of inflicting either paralysis, poison, or sleep on attacking Pokémon on contact.Ability 2Dry SkinAbility 2Causes 1/8 max HP in damage each turn during strong sunlight, but heals for 1/8 max HP during rain. Increases damage from fire moves to 1.25×, but absorbs water moves, healing for 1/4 max HP.
285HP35Attack70Defense55Speed25Sp.Def55Sp.Atk45
Paras
Parasect
Weak to
Physical
Balanced
25Speed · Very Slow

Is Paras Good in Platinum Playthrough?

Great Marsh encounter after the National Dex. AbilityDry Skin heals from Water but takes extra Fire damage. Bug/Grass gives too many weaknesses to recommend, especially with Flint's full-Fire presence at the E4.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadGGEEEEEETGTGEEEERoarkGym 1GardeniaGym 2FantinaGym 3MayleneGym 4Crasher WakeGym 5ByronGym 6CandiceGym 7VolknerGym 8ParasCatchableParasectEvolveAaronE4BerthaE4FlintE4LucianE4JupiterBossMarsBossSaturnBossCynthiaChamp*
Roark
Gym 1
Good

Paras has the type edge here and should clean up Roark's team.

You Win
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock Throw
You Win
Onix
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock ThrowScreech
You Win
Cranidos
Lv 14
Rock
Mold Breaker
HeadbuttPursuitLeer
Gardenia
Gym 2
Good

Paras has the type edge here and should clean up Gardenia's team.

You Win
Turtwig
Lv 20
Grass
Overgrow
Grass KnotRazor LeafSunny DayReflect
You Win
Cherrim
Lv 20
Grass
Flower Gift
Grass KnotLeech SeedMagical LeafSafeguard
Even
Roserade
Lv 22
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Grass KnotMagical LeafPoison StingStun Spore
Fantina
Gym 3
Even

Paras trades roughly evenly with Fantina's team.

Even
Duskull
Lv 24
Ghost
Levitate
Will O WispPursuitShadow SneakFuture Sight
Even
Haunter
Lv 24
GhostPoison
Levitate
Shadow ClawSucker PunchHypnosisConfuse Ray
Even
Mismagius
Lv 26
Ghost
Levitate
Shadow BallPsybeamMagical LeafConfuse Ray
Maylene
Gym 4
Even

Paras trades roughly evenly with Maylene's team.

You Win
Meditite
Lv 28
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Drain PunchConfusionRock TombFake Out
Even
Machoke
Lv 29
Fighting
Guts
Karate ChopRock TombStrengthFocus Energy
Risky
Lucario
Lv 32
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Drain PunchForce PalmMetal ClawBone Rush
Crasher Wake
Gym 5
Even

Paras trades roughly evenly with Crasher Wake's team.

Risky
Gyarados
Lv 33
WaterFlying
Intimidate
WaterfallBrineBiteTwister
You Win
Quagsire
Lv 34
WaterGround
Damp
Mud ShotRock TombWater PulseYawn
You Win
Floatzel
Lv 37
Water
Swift Swim
BrineIce FangCrunchAqua Jet
Byron
Gym 6
Even

Paras trades roughly evenly with Byron's team.

Even
Magneton
Lv 37
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
Flash CannonThunderboltTri AttackMetal Sound
Even
Steelix
Lv 38
SteelGround
Rock Head
Flash CannonIce FangEarthquakeSandstorm
Even
Bastiodon
Lv 41
RockSteel
Sturdy
Metal BurstStone EdgeIron DefenseTaunt
Candice
Gym 7
Even

Paras trades roughly evenly with Candice's team.

You Win
Sneasel
Lv 40
DarkIce
Inner Focus
SlashAerial AceFeint AttackIce Shard
You Win
Piloswine
Lv 40
IceGround
Oblivious
AvalancheStone EdgeEarthquakeHail
Even
Abomasnow
Lv 42
GrassIce
Snow Warning
AvalancheWood HammerWater PulseFocus Blast
Risky
Froslass
Lv 44
IceGhost
Snow Cloak
BlizzardDouble TeamShadow BallPsychic
Volkner
Gym 8
Even

Paras trades roughly evenly with Volkner's team.

You Win
Jolteon
Lv 46
Electric
Volt Absorb
Thunder WaveCharge BeamIron TailQuick Attack
Even
Raichu
Lv 46
Electric
Static
Charge BeamFocus BlastSignal BeamQuick Attack
Even
Luxray
Lv 48
Electric
Rivalry
Ice FangThunder FangCrunchFire Fang
Even
Electivire
Lv 50
Electric
Motor Drive
Thunder PunchFire PunchQuick AttackGiga Impact
Aaron
Elite Four
Tough

Aaron's team hits Parasect's weaknesses hard.

Risky
Yanmega
Lv 49
BugFlying
Speed Boost
Air SlashBug BuzzU TurnDouble Team
Avoid
Scizor
Lv 49
BugSteel
Swarm
Iron HeadX ScissorNight SlashQuick Attack
Risky
Vespiquen
Lv 50
BugFlying
Pressure
Attack OrderDefend OrderHeal OrderPower Gem
Even
Heracross
Lv 51
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornClose CombatNight SlashStone Edge
Risky
Drapion
Lv 53
PoisonDark
Battle Armor
X ScissorCross PoisonIce FangAerial Ace
Bertha
Elite Four
Good

Parasect has the type edge here and should clean up Bertha's team.

Easy KO
Whiscash
Lv 50
WaterGround
Oblivious
Earth PowerAqua TailZen HeadbuttSandstorm
Risky
Gliscor
Lv 53
GroundFlying
Hyper Cutter
EarthquakeIce FangFire FangThunder Fang
You Win
Hippowdon
Lv 52
Ground
Sand Stream
EarthquakeStone EdgeCrunchYawn
You Win
Golem
Lv 52
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeFire PunchThunder PunchSandstorm
You Win
Rhyperior
Lv 55
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
EarthquakeRock WreckerMegahornAvalanche
Flint
Elite Four
Tough

Flint's team hits Parasect's weaknesses hard.

Even
Houndoom
Lv 52
DarkFire
Early Bird
FlamethrowerSludge BombDark PulseSunny Day
Risky
Flareon
Lv 55
Fire
Flash Fire
OverheatGiga ImpactQuick AttackWill O Wisp
Risky
Rapidash
Lv 53
Fire
Run Away
Flare BlitzSolar BeamBounceSunny Day
Risky
Infernape
Lv 55
FireFighting
Blaze
Flare BlitzThunder PunchMach PunchEarthquake
Risky
Magmortar
Lv 57
Fire
Flame Body
FlamethrowerThunderboltSolar BeamHyper Beam
Lucian
Elite Four
Good

Parasect has the type edge here and should clean up Lucian's team.

Easy KO
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Soundproof
PsychicThunderboltReflectLight Screen
You Win
Espeon
Lv 55
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallQuick AttackSignal Beam
Even
Bronzong
Lv 54
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
PsychicGyro BallEarthquakeCalm Mind
You Win
Alakazam
Lv 56
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicEnergy BallFocus BlastRecover
Even
Gallade
Lv 59
PsychicFighting
Steadfast
Drain PunchPsycho CutLeaf BladeStone Edge
Jupiter
Commander
Even

Parasect trades roughly evenly with Jupiter's team.

Even
Zubat
Lv 21
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Giga DrainWing AttackBite
You Win
Skuntank
Lv 23
PoisonDark
Stench
Night SlashPoison GasScreechSmokescreen
Mars
Commander
Even

Parasect trades roughly evenly with Mars's team.

Risky
Golbat
Lv 38
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBiteToxicSupersonic
You Win
Bronzor
Lv 38
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryIron DefenseConfuse Ray
You Win
Purugly
Lv 40
Normal
Thick Fat
SlashFeint AttackHypnosisFake Out
Saturn
Commander
Even

Parasect trades roughly evenly with Saturn's team.

Risky
Golbat
Lv 42
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBitePoison FangConfuse Ray
You Win
Bronzor
Lv 42
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryShadow BallConfuse Ray
Even
Toxicroak
Lv 44
PoisonFighting
Anticipation
Poison JabBrick BreakX ScissorFeint Attack
Cynthia
Champion
Even

Parasect trades roughly evenly with Cynthia's team.

Even
Spiritomb
Lv 58
GhostDark
Pressure
Dark PulsePsychicSilver WindShadow Ball
Even
Roserade
Lv 58
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Energy BallSludge BombToxicExtrasensory
Avoid
Togekiss
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Hustle
Air SlashAura SphereWater PulseShock Wave
Risky
Lucario
Lv 60
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Aura SphereExtreme SpeedShadow BallStone Edge
You Win
Milotic
Lv 58
Water
Marvel Scale
SurfIce BeamMirror CoatDragon Pulse
Risky
Garchomp
Lv 62
DragonGround
Sand Veil
Dragon RushEarthquakeFlamethrowerGiga Impact

Catchable

Post-game only
Type
BugGrass
Tier
E

Catch Paras in the Great Marsh (walking, Lv 27-30, uncommon). Post-National Dex.

View Paras locations

Evolve Paras to Parasect

Level 24
Type
BugGrass
Tier
C

Paras evolves into Parasect at Level 24. You get it at Level 27 or higher, past Level 24, so it evolves into Parasect the next time it levels up.

Recommended Moves

  • STARTING (Lv 24)
    • LV 24GrassSporePower —Accuracy 100%PP 15
    • LV 24GrassStun SporePower —Accuracy 75%PP 30
  • After Fantina
    • LV 55BugX-ScissorPower 120Accuracy 100%PP 15
  • Post-Game
    • TM53GrassEnergy BallPower 120Accuracy 100%PP 10Route 226
    • TUTORGrassSeed BombPower 120Accuracy 100%PP 15Survival Area
    • TM42NormalFacadePower 70Accuracy 100%PP 20Survival Area

How to Get Paras in Platinum

Paras stays out of reach until the National Dex, then appears uncommon in the Great Marsh at levels 27 to 30. The Marsh rotates its roster, so Paras is only around on the days it cycles in.

Wild Paras may be holding when caught:

Tiny Mushroom (50% chance) A small and rare mushroom. It is quite popular among certain maniacal fan segments.
Big Mushroom (5% chance) A large and rare mushroom. It is very popular among certain maniacal fan segments.

1 location to catch Paras

Encountered via tall grass encounters

Badge 5

Where To Catch Paras in Pt

  1. Parasect
    Step 2Evolve into Parasect
    BREEDING
    Available
    Leave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Paras egg.

To plan your throws, open the Platinum catch rate calculator with Paras preloaded.

How to Get Shiny Paras in Platinum

Paras only turns up in the Great Marsh, where the Poké Radar can't help, so breed one with a foreign-language Ditto and hatch eggs at 1 in 1,638. Compare Shiny Paras odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Paras in PlatinumNormal
Shiny Paras in Platinum Shiny
Color ShiftRed
Shiny TierC Tier Shiny

Shiny Paras Evolution

2 Forms
Showing shiny artworkView Full Evolution Chart

Platinum Shiny Paras Calculator

2 Methods
Fastest Path

The best route is Masuda Method, about 1 in 1,639 on each try.

Step 1 · Encounter Method2 in Platinum

Masuda Method: Breed with a parent from a different-language game. Works on any breedable line.

Full Odds: Walk through grass, surf, or fish. Every encounter is its own independent shiny roll.

How many you have done, or plan to do.

120,000
Shiny Odds Per Try1 / 1,639Masuda Method
Chance By Now50.0%at 1,136 eggs hatchedAbout 5 in 10 hunters have one by now
What To Expect
ChanceEncountersTime
10%lucky few173----
25%one in four472----
50%coin flip1,136----
90%very likely3,773----
How is this calculated?

Every encounter has the same shiny chance, the Shiny Odds Per Try shown above. Each one is a separate roll that does not care how many you have already done, so the more you hunt, the higher your overall chance of at least one shiny. The formula below turns your odds and your number of tries into that combined chance.

chance after N tries = 1 − (1 − p)^N,  where  p = 1 / odds per try

Example at 1 in 8,192 (classic full odds): about 864 encounters for a 10 percent chance, 5,678 for 50 percent, and 18,862 for 90 percent.

The table above flips that around: it shows how many encounters it takes to reach a 10, 25, 50, and 90 percent chance at your current odds. Turning on boosts like the Shiny Charm, sandwiches, or chains improves your odds, so the encounter numbers drop.

These are estimates, not promises. Most games have no pity counter, meaning no guaranteed shiny no matter how many you hunt, so even Very Likely is not guaranteed: some hunters find one early, others go well past that point.

Where these shiny odds come from: Read our full methodology

For time estimates and charm math, open the Platinum shiny odds calculator with Paras already selected.

Paras Weakness

Type-wise, Paras takes extra damage from Fire, Flying, Ice, Poison, Bug, and Rock. Watch out for Fire and Flying attacks, those deal 4x damage. 5 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Dry Skin grants an additional Water immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.

Paras Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
4x (Critical)Fire, Flying
2x (Weak)Ice, Poison, Bug, Rock
0.5x (Resist)Water, Electric, Fighting
0.25x (Resist)Grass, Ground
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Paras Weak Against

Fragile
6Weak
5Resist
1Immune
Score-9
4xCritical
¼xResist
0xImmune

What is Paras Strong Against

6Strong
4Resisted
0Immune
Score+2

Best Pokemon Against Paras

Infernape
Infernape
FireFighting
A
C
B
Staraptor
Staraptor
NormalFlying
B
Golbat
Golbat
PoisonFlying
C

Paras Evolutions

One evolution ahead. Paras grows into Parasect through a straightforward two-stage chain. A decent partner pool for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs take an average time to hatch. Evolving adds up to 120 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

2 Forms
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Paras
BugGrass
Parasect
BugGrass
HP
35
60+25
ATK
70
95+25
DEF
55
80+25
SP.ATK
45
60+15
SP.DEF
55
80+25
SPE
25
30+5
BST
285E-Tier
405C-Tier+120
ROLE
Balanced
Trick Room
TYPE
Physical
Physical

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed Paras easily with 48 breeding partners from the Bug and Grass egg groups. Pass egg moves like Bug Bite, Counter, Cross Poison and 8 more to offspring.

Egg Groups
BugGrass
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
11moves
Breed With (best first)
flygondrapionvenusaurmeganiumtorterraroseradeludicoloshiftryabomasnowjumpluffbreloomcacturne

Pt Paras Best Moveset

Bug/Grass typing is weak to Fire (4x), Flying, Ice, Poison, and Rock, and 25 Speed ensures Paras goes last against everything. The moveset has MoveSpore for 100% accurate sleep, but the typing costs are enormous. Parasect inherits the sleep move.

Best Build

Experimental
Bulky Support
Ability
Effect Spore
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Paras
Sassy+SPD

Paras best EVs are Sp. Def and Defense

EVs

Bulky Support Moveset

  • AromatherapyUtility
  • Knock Off
  • CounterSLOW -5Coverage
  • X ScissorSTAB

Moves List

Breeding's the move. Bug Bite and Counter give Paras options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 8 types already covers a decent range on top of Solar Beam and Energy Ball. The egg moves push it further.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Scratch
—4010035Normal
Lv 6
Poison Powder
——7535Poison
Lv 6
Stun Spore
C—7530Grass
Lv 11
Leech Life
C3010010Bug
Lv 17
Spore
D—10015Grass
Lv 22
Slash
—7010020Normal
Lv 27
Growth
D——20Normal
Lv 33
Giga Drain
D9010010Grass
Lv 38
Aromatherapy
B——5Grass
Lv 43
X-Scissor
B12010015Bug

TM Moves

31 of 33 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM40
Aerial AceRoute 213badge 3
D60—20Flying
TM45
AttractAmity Squarebadge 2
——10015Normal
TM31
Brick BreakOreburgh Gate (basement)badge 2
D7510015Fighting
TM09
Bullet SeedRoute 204badge 1
D1510030Grass
TM78
CaptivateRoute 204badge 2
——10020Normal
TM28
DigManiac Tunnelbadge 3
D8010010Ground
TM32
Double TeamWayward Cavebadge 2
———15Normal
TM58
Endure+4Veilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C——10Normal
TM53
Energy BallRoute 226
C12010010Grass
TM42
FacadeSurvival Area
D7010020Normal
TM54
False SwipeVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
—4010040Normal
TM70D—10020Normal
TM21
FrustrationVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D—10020Normal
TM19
Giga DrainRoute 209badge 5
D9010010Grass
TM86D—10020Grass
TM10
Hidden PowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D6010015Normal
TM83
Natural GiftVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
D—10015Normal
TM17C——10Normal
TM44C——10Psychic
TM27D—10020Normal
HM06D4010015Fighting
TM43
Secret PowerAmity Squarebadge 2
—7010020Normal
TM82
Sleep TalkEterna Forestbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM36D9010010Poison
TM22C18010010Grass
TM90
SubstituteVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerPokémon Mansionbadge 4
——9015Normal
TM75
Swords DanceVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C——30Normal
TM46
ThiefEterna Citybadge 2
D6010025Dark
TM06
ToxicRoute 212badge 4
B—8510Poison
TM81
X-ScissorRoute 221badge 5
B12010015Bug

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Bug Bite
C9010020Bug
Egg
Counter-5
B—10020Fighting
Egg
Cross Poison
D7010020Poison
Egg
False Swipe
—4010040Normal
Egg
Flail
D—10015Normal
Egg
Light Screen
B——30Psychic
Egg
Metal Claw
—509535Steel
Egg
Psybeam
D6510020Psychic
Egg
Pursuit
D4010020Dark
Egg
Screech
——8540Normal
Egg
Sweet Scent
——10020Normal

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Fury Cutter
—159520Bug
Tutor
Knock Off
B6510020Dark
Tutor
Seed Bomb
A12010015Grass
Tutor
Snore
D4010015Normal
Tutor
Synthesis
C——5Grass

Base Stats

Base Stats
Below
HP35
F
Attack70
C
Defense55
D
Sp. Atk45
D
Sp. Def55
D
Speed25
F
Total285
Details
Catch Rate
Easy190 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Fast1M XP
Height0.3 m
Weight5.4 kg
Base XP57
Abilities
Effect Spore
Has a 30% chance of inflicting either paralysis, poison, or sleep on attacking Pokémon on contact.
Dry Skin
Causes 1/8 max HP in damage each turn during strong sunlight, but heals for 1/8 max HP during rain. Increases damage from fire moves to 1.25×, but absorbs water moves, healing for 1/4 max HP.
Dry Skin grants Water immunity
EV Yield
HPAtk+1DefSpASpDSpe
Attack training source
Pokedex Entry

Mushrooms named tochukaso grow on its back. They grow along with the host PARAS.

Pokemon Platinum

Paras Platinum Guide

  • Yes. Wild Paras in Platinum can hold Tiny Mushroom (50%) or Big Mushroom (5%). Use Thief (TM46) or Covet to swipe the held item without affecting your catch chance. Quickest way to farm rare items like Tiny Mushroom.

  • In Platinum, Paras has 285 BST and evolves into Parasect. Compare the two forms before you give either one a team slot.

  • Yes. Paras is not available during the main story. It can only be obtained after entering the Hall of Fame. Paras becomes available after the main story is complete in Platinum.

Game Availability

One of the original 151, Paras has appeared in 19 games: most mainline games. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.

Explore

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